Sometimes the holiday season isn’t the most important part. The weather alone can set a scene, make a mood, force a conversation or a containment. One bed and one room forces it more, but a good snowy night and your favorite bar setting? Can make it something worth keeping…

The tangible gift is just a placeholder for the memories.

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Woods, December 2009

It was a simple necklace, too cheap for a girl like her. But, when I saw that teardrop angel, it reminded me of her. It shined and wasn’t over done. That’s my girl. I even got it bagged pretty, because I had a sister, and I knew presentation mattered a little bit. 

I wanted to give it to her, and to tell her about my small touring adventure starting in the new year. It’s the small step of starting my dream career, but I wouldn’t even have it without her. 

My sexy little guardian angel, my musical muse, my whole heart in a four foot something package.

A little bag with an angel wasn’t enough. But it was a good start. A promise of more in the future. 

The wind blew the snow around, making the outside chill feel worse. The grey matched my old mood. When I opened the back door, the warmth hit me first. As I made my way up the hall, guitar case in one hand, gift in the other, I heard her. The light inside the bar itself felt warm, but Tweety was being cold kindly again.

“Actually it’s not. You’ve got holly there, and all it’s good for is being prickly pretty. Is that what you’re trying to attract?” Tweety’s giggle softened the blow. “Besides, mistletoe should be an option not a trick. That’s why I don’t tell people where ours is in this bar.”

The other little redhead Malta slipped behind to help deflect, but my eyes never could leave her. She wore green and white today, half all about those killer legs, but it was the white sweater that got me. Tweet looked soft and fluffy, like snow you would feel warm hugging.

I leaned against the doorway watching her a moment. It’s like she could always sense me, and turned to me with a genuine smile. My angel had such a devilish smile. Especially with that spark in her eyes. She was in the mood for mischief. I would of course willingly volunteer.

“Do you show any poor sods where that hiding spot is?” I spoke like I hadn’t been approaching and watching, like my timing was always my announcing my appearance. The amount of times I learned from listening first taught me so much over the year already. Pushing away from the wall I leaned on, I strolled closer. “Showing and telling are two different things, luv.”

That spark? The one where she was instantly happy to see me then so mad at me, all soothed into a blush at my one little word just for her? Yeah, that was the best reaction every time.

I hoped she never stopped reacting like that. 

“Only those who deserve their significant other get to know where special spots are. Don’t want some pretender thinking a greenery kiss makes up for lack of everything compatible.”

“Oh, compatibility kissing? Is that the plan now?” I smirked and snuck around her for bottled water, making her nervous. “Pretty sure enough heat melts all that icy cold, given a fraction of a chance.”

That spark was there again, her eyes burned on me like she’d very much like to spank me for interrupting. Good. I love it when you pay attention to me luv, but I know you’re working and if I work a little too, I’ll get alone time with you sooner.

“But what do I know? I’m just the guy who’s about to be on stage singing for a while and I’ll need some shots delivered here and there.” 

I shot her a wink when she breathed a sigh of relief, and headed for the stage, keeping my gift safe in my guitar case.

An hour later Tweety found some time to signal she was going on break, so I too hopped off the stage for a breather. On the slight chance, I grabbed the gift and met her in the hallway by the office.

Tweety grabbed my shirt instantly, half pulling and half pushing me away. “Another good excuse with the band, huh?”

“We had a last minute gig a few towns over. I’m sorry I didn’t even get to text you, but I got pictures and videos for you. Never the same as having you there when I play luv.”

I’d fall on my sword if I had to, but Tweety understood. We just missed each other like crazy. And the way she opened the door and pulled me in it? Yeah she really missed me. I started to lean to kiss her hello, to melt that icy welcome when she stopped me by pointing upwards. 

There, inside the doorway, was the true mistletoe. “You’re very lucky you came back to visit before I found someone else to use this with. After all, it’s my first mistletoe kiss, I wasn’t looking for just some random guy.”

“Oh it’s my honor luv, and I’ll make sure you won’t forget this.” I leaned her backwards slowly, softly, and kissed my lady gently until she dug her hands into my hair and clawed at me for more. Ever the gentleman, I obligated. At least until I forgot how to breathe too, and came up for air.

She leaned into me and dragged her finger around my chest, unable to let me go. “I missed you.”

I leaned to kiss her forehead “I missed you too, trouble. And I have a little something for you.”

She took the bag I offered like it was a lifeline, smiling up at me. “Thank you, I love it.”

“You haven’t even opened it yet.” I chuckled as she dug into it.

Tweety’s lips snarled a moment, as if it was insulting to question her. “You thought of me, and made this effort. It could be a rock from outside, and I would still love it because you tried for me.”

She continued to pull out the necklace and hold it out to me, turning to let me put it around her neck. It was a bit of pride that she wanted to wear that simple symbol so quickly. So I nipped her ear between my teeth after I finished. She melted into me, and I held her in my arms.

“It looks stunning on you, my luv.”